Celtic are stepping up their commitment to youth development by exploring a formal co-operation agreement with Ayr United — and it’s a move that makes absolute sense, especially with Hoops legend Scott Brown in charge at Somerset Park…
Scott Brown, Ayr United manager is interviewed as Victor Wanyama of Dunfermline Athletic walks by Ayr United v Dunfermline,Scottish Championship, Somerset Park, Ayr, 29 March 2025. Photo Garry McHarg, Shutterstock
Reports from The Scottish Sun reveal that an agreement between the clubs is close, with midfielder Jude Bonnar
set to be the first player heading there on loan.
Bonnar’s switch isn’t just a smart next step for his development — it’s also a perfect fit from a cultural and footballing perspective. With Broony at the helm, Ayr are building a side a good team playing attractive football and should be in the promotion hunt again this season.
It’s an environment that mirrors the expectations at Celtic, offering Bonnar — and potentially others — a grounded, competitive platform to transition from academy football to the men’s game.
22 February 2025; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scottish Premiership Hibs v Celtic; Jude Bonnar of Celtic arrives for the match. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
This shift in strategy comes after talks with Queen’s Park stalled due to the club’s looming financial restructuring, with Willie Haughey set to withdraw his financial backing by 2026. That leaves the Spiders needing to slash their budget and reimagine their own future — unfortunately, not one that aligns with Celtic’s longer-term development plans.
But the story shouldn’t end with Ayr United. In fact, it can’t end there.
We’re already seeing other top-flight Scottish clubs adopting a multi-pronged approach to youth development. Aberdeen have agreements with both Kelty Hearts and Elgin City, while St Mirren have forged ties with Dumbarton and Clydebank. Even Hibs are working closely with East Kilbride.
Celtic B are already cutting their teeth in the Lowland League, but these formal partnerships provide a crucial next level for players who are past the B-Team but not quite ready for Brendan Rodgers’ first team.
Structured loans, within a co-operation framework, ensure continuity in coaching, tactical alignment, and most importantly, minutes on the pitch — in real, meaningful games.
The Caledonian Stadium is home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club in the Scottish Highlands, Photo IMAGO
Looking further afield, Celtic should be casting a keen eye north to Inverness. With Caley Thistle recently coming out of administration and now back under the leadership of Alan Savage — the man who oversaw their most successful era in the top flight — the Highland club could be the ideal partner in League One.
ICT are still a massive club at that level, one with serious ambition and a fanbase that expects wins every week. That sort of pressure — the need to win, the intensity of playing for a team trying to climb back to the Premiership — is exactly the kind of environment that breeds growth in young players.
Unlike a passive loan move, a co-operation agreement with Inverness would ensure better oversight, tailored development, and the security of knowing our young Celts are playing for something that matters — to the club, the fans, and their future careers.
Scott Brown at Scottish Cup Final. Aberdeen v Celtic on 24 May 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
With the SFA’s new structure making these agreements viable, Celtic can now build a true development network across the SPFL. Ayr United under Scott Brown is a logical first step, but the club must think beyond a single partnership.
Multiple deals, across League One or even League Two as well as the Championship — including a bold move to partner with Inverness — would give our next generation of players the platform they need. Not just to play, but to thrive, compete, and become future Celtic first-team players.
Jude Bonnar signs for Celtic. Photo: Celtic FC
Jude Bonnar to Ayr United is just the beginning you would hope. Let’s make sure it’s the start of a cohesive plan and not just a one-off.
Niall J
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